Archives for March 2017

'If the report is true, it would indicate the Bills have no intention of retaining fullback Jerome Felton, who is due to become an unrestricted free agent on Thursday as well.'

'In his message Wednesday, Christie went on to say, "I wished him the best of luck signing with a winning team or one in a domed stadium. He has my contact info now and knows that I'm available to help him if needed. The point here was to help Dan before he was released, not to bury a GM or Coach or as some have implied, getting a job over there. (I'm very happy living in Florida now-post health situation and don't see that changing anytime soon). All the best Bull. Go Bills.'

'The Bills have only three receivers signed for 2017, so if Hunter is willing to come back on a cheap contract to compete for a roster spot in training camp, that would be fine. If he expects a multi-year contract or more than a veteran-minimum salary, the Bills shouldn't sweat letting him go.'

'There’s no other way to read things in the wake of the announcement that Tyrod Taylor will be returning to the team on a restructured contract that reportedly lowers his salary-cap figure this year from $16 million to $10 million, and includes a $7 million signing bonus. Details are still coming out.'

'Common sense, which has never been in large supply at One Bills Drive during the current 17-year playoff drought, prevailed. If you’ve examined the list of available college players and NFL free agents, you know Taylor is the best option — as new coach Sean McDermott put — “at this time.’'

'They also have reportedly reached an agreement on a four-year, $8.5 million deal with fullback Patrick DiMarco of the Falcons. DiMarco would replace Jerome Felton, and is considered in some circles as the best blocking fullback in the league.'

'Ducasse most recently played for the Baltimore Ravens but came into the league with the New York Jets back in 2010. Ducasse also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. He has mostly played guard during his career but has some experience at tackle dating back to his days at the University of Massachusetts.'

'The safety posted a picture on Instagram with Tyrod Taylor after it was announced that the quarterback would return to Buffalo on a restructured deal. Along with the picture, Williams said that his suit and cleat game battle with the quarterback would continue in 2017.'

'"At this time," is the operative phrase here. The Bills operated with little conviction when deciding on Taylor, who would have been guaranteed more than $30 million and had a modest $15.9 million cap hit on his original contract signed last August.'

'Well, really, I go back to the process and the methodical approach that we have been taking since day one back in January. We've looked, really, at every option and explored every opportunity, at this time, available to us and we just feel like this was the best move for the Bills at this time.'

'During his career with the Bills, Easley appeared in 42 games. He was originally drafted by the Bills in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. In his career, Easley caught three passes for 71 yards and one touchdown. Although he never emerged as a receiving threat, Easley stood out on special teams. Easley led Buffalo in special teams tackles in 2013 and 2014.'

'The option on Taylor's previous deal, signed last August, was the point of much debate at One Bills Drive. The option would have paid Taylor more than $30 million in guaranteed money and carried a cap hit just shy of $16 million for 2017.'

'While the Bills will be looking for a new kicker after cutting Dan Carpenter, the new coaching staff appears content to move forward with Schmidt as the team's punter heading into 2017.'

'In 2015, Pro Football Focus named DiMarco as a first-team All Pro fullback. He has the ability to be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well. He has 37 catches for 273 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his career.'

'Brown had a career-year with the Bills in 2016. He finished second in the league with 149 total tackles in 16 starts. Brown also had four sacks, one interception and four passes defensed with the Bills. At the end of the season, Brown was named a second-team All-Pro and made the AFC Pro Bowl team.'